In this issue:
- This Sat., April 29 – Dinner with Live Jazz at *Slaton’s Supper Club* in Oak Park
- Next Weekend – Pre-Derby Dance Friday in Palatine; Derby Dinner Sat. in Chicago
- “Wine Country” Trip set for June 2-5. Book right away at ChiSinglesTravel.com
- “Are You Watching the Best Shows on TV: Our Top 12″

I can’t emphasize enough that to make sure you get this newsletter in the future, please add jims@gourmetadvocates.com to your contacts listing or address book.

This Weekend –Great Dinner Party with Jazz in Oak Park

This coming Saturday, April 29, the Gourmet Advocates host a terrific dinner with jazz at *Slaton’s Supper Club* in Oak Park. This new restaurant serves up some tremendous American eclectic dishes in a very inviting atmosphere and adds live jazz to complete an appealing trifecta. All that is needed for a perfect evening is you. Your evening is a mere $40 for members and $42 for guests. Hope to see you there!

Next weekend is Kentucky Derby Weekend for the Gourmet Advocates and Friends of Friends. It starts off Friday night, May 5, with the Friends of Friends Third Annual “Run for the Roses” Pre-Derby Dance Party at *Furlongs Lounge* in Palatine. The evening features drink specials, appetizers and a DJ for plenty of dancing and a little karaoke. Dressy casual and Derby Day attire, including fashion hats, are encouraged. The evening’s a steal at $9 (or $7 for Premier Members) for this yearly event.

Then, Saturday night, May 6, the Gourmet Advocates host a Derby Day dinner party at *Bourbon*, a new restaurant in Chicago’s Lakeview area that boasts its own unique flavor of contemporary Southern dishes featuring tangy sauces and glazes made from Kentucky bourbon and American whiskey. As you can imagine, there are also a number of these spirits available by the glass (more than 30). This party is $41 for members and $43 for guests.

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html

The singles Wine Tour Trip to Napa and Sonoma is posted on our new travel Web site http://www.chisinglestravel.com/. It’s a 4-day weekend June 2-5 and is $597, plus airfare to San Francisco. It includes 3 nights’ lodging in Napa and a day at Napa Valley wineries, a day at Sonoma wineries and an optional day in San Francisco. In order to make sure you get one of the rooms that were set aside for us, we need your commitment right away.

Also check out the “Singles Notebook” columns on “get-real” dating and relationships for those over 30 at the new Web site, http://www.singlesnotebook.com/
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This Saturday, April 29, 7:00–10:00 p.m. or later
Enjoy “Wildly Refined” American Fusion Cuisine and Live Jazz at the New

Slaton’s Supper Club

144 S. Oak Park Ave. (1 1/2 blocks S. of Lake St.) in Oak Park

Meet and mingle with single friends both new and familiar at *Slaton’s Supper Club*, an exciting new restaurant in downtown Oak Park. The owners of this restaurant have transformed the former Garibaldi’s space into a very inviting supper club that features a contemporary American fusion cuisine they describe as “wildly refined.” In the kitchen, Chef Tim Kuck prepares some tasty “takes” by punctuating classic dishes with unique upscale twists.

Your evening starts with an hour-long cocktail party (cash bar) in the lounge area. Later, we’ll move to the dining room for a sit-down dinner. One of the especially pleasing aspects of the new *Slaton’s Supper Club* is the attractive surroundings. The clubby atmosphere with a beamed ceiling, exposed brick and rich wood
creates the perfect backdrop for live musical entertainment on weekends. Enjoy sharing conversation and wine, martinis or drinks over Slaton’s Supper Club appetizing dishes. Choose from six of the house’s sumptuous entrees:
- Linguini with Sautéed Scallops, Roasted Tomatoes, Toasted Garlic, Asparagus and White Wine Sauce
- Pan-fried Trout with Roasted Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Apples, Couscous, Watercress Salad and Warm Apple Vinaigrette
- Braised Lamb Shank with Israeli Couscous, Dried Fruit, Grilled Zucchini, Harissa and Natural Jus
- Garlic-roasted Chicken with Roasted Root Vegetables and Mustard Sauce
- Roasted 12 oz. Pork Tenderloin with Spinach, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Garlic and White Bean Ragout
- Thai BBQ Salmon over Red Rice with Pieces of Carrot, Tomato and Asparagus

Dinner also includes your choice of soup or salad, and coffee or tea. Your evening is $40 for members and $42 for guests, for dinner, entertainment, taxes and tips for advance reservations. Walk-ups at the door are $42 (space permitting). Dressy casual attire. Street parking, lot parking in the back and valet parking.
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Next Saturday, May 6, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Leading Edge Gourmet – New on the Restaurant Scene “Derby Day” Dinner Party at the Exciting New Contemporary Southern Restaurant

Bourbon

3244 N. Lincoln Ave. (1 block north of Belmont) in Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood

Derby Day — what better time to think about a bright new restaurant called *Bourbon* in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Owner Pete Mitchell, who previously worked at such popular establishments as Four Farthings and Ruth’s Chris, and Chef Michael Artel, formerly of Tre Via launched this new concept just a couple weeks ago. *Bourbon* presents an eclectic array of dishes with flavors from the American South accented by sauces and glazes featuring American bourbons and whiskeys. The atmosphere is laid-back with an inviting blend of contemporary Southern and comfort food with several unique twists.

Mix and mingle with other singles during an hour-long get-acquainted cocktail party (cash bar). *Bourbon* serves more than 30 varieties of bourbons and American whiskeys, plus wines and the usual array of cocktails. Later, share good food, conversation and camaraderie in the restaurant’s private dining room. Your delectable dinner features your choice from the following entrees:
- Grilled Shrimp and Andouille Sausage skewered with Grilled Tomatoes and Green Peppers over Red Rice
- Roasted Duck Breast with a Cranberry-bourbon Glaze, Oyster Mushroom and Asparagus Spears
- Roasted Pork Loin stuffed with Chévre and Sautéed Baby Spinach, with Applewood Smoked Bacon, Bourbon-glazed Carrots and Grilled Asparagus
- Pan-seared Pecan-crusted Halibut, served with Grilled Asparagus and Roasted Sweet Potato Medallions
- Seared Lamb Chops over Sautéed Baby Spinach with Spinach and Roasted Tomato Purees, served with Roasted Sweet Potato Medallions

Also included is your choice of a Fresh Mixed Green Salad, Chef’s Soup du Jour or Vidalia Onion Soup, plus coffee or tea. The evening is $41 for dinner, taxes and tips for advance registrations. Guests are welcome for $43. Advance reservations are very much encouraged, but walk-ups will be accepted for $43. Dressy casual attire. Park on the street or in the lot behind the restaurant (enter on Melrose).

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html

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Your Most Up-to-Date Listing of Parties and Events

- Saturday, April 29 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Gourmet Advocates Dinner Party with Live Jazz at the new *Slaton’s Supper Club* in Oak Park. $40 for members; $42 for non-members/guests.

- Friday, May 5 – 7:30 p.m.-Midnight. Friends of Friends “Run for the Roses” Pre-Derby Dance Party is at *Furlongs Lounge* at 900 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine (just west of Route 53). $9 gets you in ($7 for Premier members). Plenty of appetizers, drink specials, plus music for dancing and karaoke from DJ “Rock and Roll” Rick all night long.

- Saturday, May 6 – 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Gourmet Advocates “Derby Day” Dinner Party at the new charmer *Bourbon* in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. $41 for members;$43 for non-members/guests.

- Thursday, May 11 – 6:00-10:30 p.m. Friends of Friends Famous Martini Party is at *BabaLuci* at 1001 W. Golf Road (a block W. of Higgins) in Hoffman Estates. $7 gets you in ($5 for Premier Members). Heavy appetizers, drink specials, plus music from the Fabulous Johnny Romano.

Be sure to save Saturday, May 25 for our yearly party at Arlington Race Course and *La Tasca Tapas* in Arlington Heights.

Our Singles Golf program begins May 28, with Anne Wolf at Flagg Creek Golf Course in Countryside.

Sign up online for any of the Gourmet Advocates parties at www.gourmetadvocates.com/singlepage.html

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**Also consider checking out this benefit party this Thursday from Great Doings

- Thursday, April 27, 2006, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Join Great Doings, HighSight, Horizons for Youth and Goose Island for a casual microbrew tasting and benefit at the Goose Island Brewery in Wrigleyville. Enjoy bottomless samples of several Goose beers alongside paired appetizers from the beer-friendly kitchen, plus a hefty cheese platter courtesy of Pastoral. Admission: $30. For more information or to purchase a ticket, call 312-787-8121 or visit http://www.greatdoings.com/savor

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Singles Notebook – “Get-Real” Thoughts and Opinions from Jim “Senny” Senhauser

Are You Watching TV’s Best Shows?

2006 TV Season Is Winding Down: Is TV Really Getting Better?

You may find it hard to believe, but I am convinced that television programming overall is getting better. Why do I say that? This past season gave us some very good shows with interesting stories and characters. Because of the tremendous variety of options and channels for us to view, especially with the addition of so many cable options, commercial television has to get better in order to survive in the marketplace for share of consumer eyeballs.

Certainly, we still have a number of reality shows that get solid ratings, led by American Idol and Survivor but (thankfully) the genre seems to have peaked. Dancing with the Stars and Rockstar were newcomers that did perform well. The Apprentice and The Batchelor are no longer the ratings stars they once were. Finally and thankfully, Fear Factor, The Simple Life and Nanny 911 appear to destined for cancellation.

The situation comedy has also peaked. I guess that there are only so many smart, pretty and understanding female characters to go around, to counter the half-baked schemes of their less-than-bright male counterparts in their storylines. Some of the once-popular comedies that are winding down in this their final season are: Will and Grace, Malcolm in the Middle, Yes, Dear and That 70s Show.

Some once-strong dramas are also being cut: Alias will go out with a bang this spring. The West Wing also reached its term limit. Long-time family favorite 7th Heaven became too expensive to produce and was also cut. New dramas Prison Break and Close to Home could have long-term potential. Most of the alien growth series thankfully did not generate much ratings traction.

This year’s big ratings newcomers were both on NBC, Deal or No Deal, a prime-time game show starring Howie Mandel and My Name is Earl, a comedy starring Jason Lee. Ghost Whisperer, a drama about a “Sixth-Sense” newlywed who communicates and helps ghosts cross over did well on Fridays. This was largely due to the popularity of its star, Jennifer Love Hewitt, given that the writing for this vehicle is nowhere near as strong as last year’s “Joan of Arcadia.”

All that said, here are my lists of the top dozen shows for the past season. You may not recognize some of them, but I would encourage you to seek them out:

Top 12 for Overall Quality (Acting, Writing, Cleverness, Production)

- The Sopranos (HBO) – starring James Gandolfini, Edie Falco and Michael Imperioli. The head of the New Jersey crime family gets a human face and deals with real family issues.
- House MD (FOX) – starring Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Morrison, Omar Epps and Jesse Spencer. Imagine Sherlock Holmes with several “Watsons” solving extreme disease cases.
- Veronica Mars (UPN) – starring Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs, Jason Dohring. My pick for the best show on TV. A high school senior turned amateur sleuth solves crimes.
- Desperate Housewives (ABC) – Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria. Goofy suburban wives and ex-wives deal with the real problems of families, lovers, work and human frailties and a lot of secrets.
- Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) – Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, T.R. Knight, Katherine Heigl. Young hospital residents mix patient care, humanity and love in their busy daily lives.
- Deadwood (HBO) – Timothy Olyphant, Ian Mc Shane, Molly Parker, Powers Boothe. Real desperation in the gritty lives of hard men and women surviving in a lawless gold rush town.
- Everybody Hates Chris (UPN) – Chris Rock, Tyler James Williams, Terry Crews, Tichina Arnold. Hilarious view of young African American kid and his outrageous and frugal parents.
- 24 (FOX) – Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Carlos Bernard, Kim Raver. Covert agent tries to save the U.S. from lots of terrorists and traitors, all in the course of one day.
- 60 Minutes (CBS) – CBS News Staff. Best investigative news program on TV.
- Weeds (Showtime) – Mary-Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Kevin Nealon. Cash-strapped suburban soccer mom turns to selling marijuana to make ends meet.
- Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi) – Edward James Olmos, Mary Mc Donnell, James Callis, Jamie Bamber. Allegorical struggle for the universe between humans and cylons (machines).
- My Name Is Earl (NBC) – Jason Lee, Jaime Pressly, Ethan Suplee, Eddie Steeples. N’er-do-well tries to find forgiveness or right wrongs from his checkered past.

Top 12 for Men

The Sopranos, Battlestar Galactica, House MD, Deadwood, 24, My Name Is Earl and 60 Minutes are joined by the following:
- The Office (NBC) – Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, B.J. Novak. No office could ever be this over-the-top inept and dysfunctional, could it? Yep.
- Entourage (HBO) – Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara. Handsome, vapid movie star and his high school pals learn to deal with success.
- The Daily Show (Comedy Central) – Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert. Goofy, tongue-in-cheek look at today’s news headlines and political stories proving that reality is funnier than fiction.
- Prison Break (FOX) – Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, Stacy Keach. Loyal brother tries to get his wrongly convicted sibling out of prison and death sentence. Brother was set up as part of a shadow political conspiracy by the VP of the U.S.
- Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO) – Bill Maher. Candid conversation and outrageous humor regarding Washington political scene. Whether you agree with Bill’s very liberal views or not, he’s one of the funniest men on TV.

There you have my choices for TV worth watching. You may or may not agree with all of them, but I would suggest that you check out these shows to judge for yourself.

I purposely did not make selections for the top dozen women’s shows because, hey, I am not a woman. I invite you ladies out there to send me your female-driven choices for shows with the best writing, acting, cleverness and production. I will print those most often cited.

Here’s to TV that’s a good occasional diversion. May it avoid ever becoming a substitute for living life fully!